BAILIFFS were today preparing to evict the "Shameless" family of 12 who defied a judge to stay in their Birmingham council house.

Sandwell Homes have been awarded an eviction warrant after Alviria Benjamin and her family ignored a February 24 deadline given by Recorder Mary Wilson as she awarded a possession order for the Great Barr house.

Bailiffs and officials from Sandwell Homes were due to move in on their home in West Road, on the Durham estate, to serve the eviction notice today.

However, a spokesman for Sandwell Homes said the family would not yet be forcibly removed from the property.

She said: "We have now got the eviction order and we will not know what will happen until we get there. For all we know the family could have already have vacated the premises.

"However, if the family do refuse to leave the premises then we will withdraw and consider our position and our next move.

"The family will not be dragged kicking and screaming from the house."

Walsall County Court heard last month that Sandwell Council granted permission to Mrs Benjamin to knock one council house through to the next door to accommodate her ten children.

However, it heard allegations that the house was turned into an illegal drinking den where hundreds of late night revellers would enjoy parties.

There were also claims of drug dealing, anti-social behaviour and violence.

The family also installed a bar, fruit machines, a gym and even a sauna powered by paint strippers.

But Mrs Benjamin has always denied her family has been involved in any wrong-doing.

Because the family was responsible for anti-social behaviour on the estate, Sandwell Homes has refused to help them find new council run accommodation.